- Overview
- Syllabus
- What we offer
- Requirements
Overview
The MA Journalism & Digital Media Degree is an intensely practical and professionally focused programme, preparing graduates for careers in all areas of journalism in Ireland or abroad.
Using the most up-to-date software and techniques and concentrating on practical skills development, the programme equips students with a range of hands-on abilities, including news-gathering and reporting, investigative journalism, feature writing, layout and design, camera and sound recording and editing, sub-editing and online journalism.
Students can choose to specialise in areas such as sports, business, arts or political journalism. Students also develop strong analytical skills in areas such as media law, ethics and contemporary issues in journalism and society. Specialist electives are available in Culture and Criticism, Irish & International Politics and Global & Conflict Journalism.
The MA in Journalism & Digital Media also offers students the opportunity to undertake unique internship-based learning at Independent News and Media’s high-profile national and regional newspapers.
MA Journalism Showcase: View some of our students' work here
Course Start Date
September 2013
Course Timetable
Approximately 12 hours of lectures and workshops per week. Please contact the Course Director (see contact details below) for more information about timetables.
Awarding Body
QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland, the new integrated agency replacing FETAC, HETAC, NQAI and incorporating the functions of IUQB). Level: 9.
Contact Details
Admissions
Email: admissions@independentcolleges.ie
Phone: 01-6725058
Course Director: Janice Gaffey
Email: janice.gaffey@independentcolleges.ie
Phone: 01-6351190
Course Duration
One year day or evening ; Two years part time
Course Fees
Full Time: EU Students:€6800 (Payment plan options available) Non EU Abroad Students:€9,500
Part Time: €6800 (Payment plan options available)
Syllabus
News, Investigative and Specialist Journalism
- Feature Writing & Magazine Journalism
- News Reporting & Investigative Journalism
Journalistic Practice
- Editing, Layout & Design
- Shorthand
Current Issues in Law and Journalism
- Journalism in Context
- Contemporary Issues for Journalists
- Law for Journalists
- Professional Formation: Ethics
Multimedia Journalism
- Camera & Sound (Video Production)
- Online Journalism: Web Design & HTML
Electives I
- Irish & International Politics
- Global & Conflict Journalism
- Culture & Criticism
Electives II
- Sports Reporting
- Political Journalism
- Financial & Business Journalism
- Comment & Opinion Journalism
- Arts Journalism
Thesis
Internship at Independent News & Media
Assessment
Continuous assessment is the primary method of evaluating students' performance on the MA in Journalism. A combination of article portfolios, academic papers, seminar presentations, multi-media production, examination and end-of-year dissertation tests students' journalistic and academic skills development over the course of the programme.
What We Offer
Continuous assessment is the primary method of evaluating students' performance on the MA in Journalism. A combination of article portfolios, academic papers, seminar presentations, multi-media production, examination and end-of-year dissertation tests students' journalistic and academic skills development over the course of the programme.
Requirements
Applicants must hold an honours primary degree and should be committed to developing their writing and reporting skills to the highest level.
A strong interest in current affairs will be beneficial, and the course will also benefit those who hope to develop journalistic careers in specialist areas such as magazine journalism, music, film, arts, sports and travel.
Non-standard applications will also be considered.
As this is a postgraduate programme, students on the course are expected to be strongly motivated and self-directed. The programme is highly practical and is assessed primarily on project and continuous assessment.
